Nobel Prize Winners 2025: Full List, Categories
UPSC Prelims
Current affairs
Latest Update
Gajendra Singh Godara
Oct 8, 2025
12
mins read
Every year, the world pauses to honour individuals whose work redefines what humanity can achieve through science, peace, or the power of words. Alfred Nobel himself, famous for inventing dynamite, believed his inventions could promote peace, famously saying his dynamite would “sooner lead to peace than a thousand world conventions”. In his 1895 will he dedicated 94% of his fortune to fund prizes for those who have conferred “the greatest benefit to mankind”. Nobel Prizes are thus a celebration of knowledge guided by empathy values that resonate with the ethical and global-vision themes UPSC aspirants study.
About the Nobel Prizes
Alfred Nobel’s legacy took shape in 1901 when the first prizes were awarded. They cover six fields today:
Physics – groundbreaking discoveries in nature and the universe.
Chemistry – exceptional achievements in chemical sciences.
Physiology or Medicine – discoveries that enhance human health.
Literature – distinguished literary work.
Peace – efforts to promote peace and resolve conflict.
Economic Sciences – (established 1968 by Sweden’s central bank in Nobel’s honor).
Each prize is awarded annually by a designated body:
the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (for Physics, Chemistry and Economic Sciences),
the Karolinska Institute (Medicine),
the Swedish Academy (Literature), and
the Norwegian Nobel Committee (Peace).
Nobel Prizes stand for hope and innovation. Over 1,000 laureates have been honored, and the award “encourages innovation, honours work that improves human life and society, and inspires future generations” - ideals at the heart of public service.
Each Nobel Prize laureate receives:
Gold medal – symbolizing honor and achievement
Diploma – personally signed by the awarding institution
Cash award – varies annually based on Nobel Foundation funds (in 2023 & 2024: approximately 11 million Swedish kronor, over $1 million USD)
Nobel Prize Winners 2025 – Category-Wise Table
What does this mean for the world?
The 2025 winners – once fully announced – highlight current global priorities. For example, the 2025 Medicine laureates’ work on immune tolerance promises new treatments for cancer and autoimmune disease. Last year’s prizes emphasized AI and biotechnology (e.g. Nobel Prize 2024 Physics and Chemistry went to AI pioneers), while 2025’s early focus on health research suggests the world is again prioritizing public health and sustainability. This shift reflects how societies redefine progress – a theme often explored in UPSC essays.
Nobel Prize in Physics 2025
On October 7, 2025, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for their groundbreaking work on macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in electric circuits. Their research revealed how quantum effects can be harnessed in superconducting circuits, laying the scientific foundation for modern quantum computing.
This discovery bridges the gap between classical and quantum physics, enabling more stable and scalable quantum bits (qubits) — a critical step toward practical quantum technologies. Their work has far-reaching applications in secure communications, advanced computation, and precision measurements. In interviews, the laureates expressed joy at how decades of fundamental research have now become the backbone of a transformative technology that could redefine computing.
Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025
On October 8, 2025, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded jointly to Susumu Kitagawa (Japan), Richard Robson (Australia), and Omar M. Yaghi (USA) for their pioneering development of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). These crystalline materials, built from metal ions and organic linkers, feature exceptionally high surface areas and tunable porosity, making them ideal for capturing and storing gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
Their innovation has opened new frontiers in clean energy, carbon capture, water purification, and catalysis, offering practical tools to address some of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges. Yaghi described the honor as “a recognition of chemistry’s power to solve real-world problems,” while Kitagawa and Robson highlighted the global collaboration behind the work.
Nobel Prize in Medicine 2025
On October 6, 2025, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell (USA), and Shimon Sakaguchi (Japan) for their pioneering discoveries in immunology. Their research uncovered the crucial role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) — immune system “peacekeepers” that prevent the body from attacking its own tissues. Central to this mechanism is the FOXP3 gene, which regulates Treg formation and function, maintaining immune balance and preventing autoimmune disorders.
This discovery has revolutionized the understanding and treatment of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and has opened new avenues for immune-based cancer therapies. The work exemplifies how careful experimentation and persistent inquiry can yield profound medical insights. Mary Brunkow’s story of learning about her win when awoken by her dog adds a human touch, highlighting the humility, curiosity, and perseverance behind scientific breakthroughs that benefit humanity.
Nobel Prize in Literature 2025
On October 9, 2025, the Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to László Krasznahorkai, a Hungarian novelist renowned for his visionary, immersive narratives. His works, often marked by long, flowing sentences and intense psychological depth, explore themes of chaos, human fragility, and existential struggle.
The Nobel Committee praised him for reaffirming “the power of art to capture the world’s complexity with unwavering intensity.” Krasznahorkai’s most celebrated novels — such as Satantango and The Melancholy of Resistance — have influenced generations of writers and filmmakers. In his characteristically quiet acceptance, Krasznahorkai reflected on literature’s ability to “give shape to silence” and connect people beyond borders.
Nobel Peace Prize 2025
On October 10, 2025, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader who has emerged as a powerful symbol of democratic resilience amid mounting authoritarian pressure.
Machado has spent years promoting democratic rights and fair elections in Venezuela, even when faced with legal bans from politics, threats to her personal safety, and periods of hiding under Maduro’s regime. Her commitment to non-violent political engagement, despite personal risk, has inspired movements across the country — from grassroots election observers to national democratic coalitions.
In her acceptance, Machado emphasised the collective nature of her work — this is a prize not just for her but for “the Venezuelan people.” She sees literature, civil society, and democracy as intertwined — spaces of resistance, of restoring voice, and of keeping hope alive when repression tries to silence it.
Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences 2025
On October 13, 2025, the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel was awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt for illuminating how innovation drives long-term economic growth — especially through what economists call creative destruction.
Joel Mokyr receives half of the prize for his historical analysis of what preconditions are needed for sustained growth: not just breakthroughs in technology, but societies where experimentation, free exchange of ideas, supportive institutions, and openness matter.
Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt share the other half for their theoretical framework showing how old technologies and practices are replaced by new ones, often with disruption, but that this destruction of the old is integral to creating the new — a cycle that has lifted millions out of poverty and reshaped societies globally.
Indian Connections & Past Winners
India’s Nobel laureates embody intellect, compassion, and service. From Tagore’s poetic insight to Sen’s economic reforms, each reminds us that knowledge paired with empathy can transform society — a timeless lesson for civil servants and citizens alike.
Name | Year | Field | Contribution / Recognition |
Rabindranath Tagore | 1913 | Literature | First Asian Nobel laureate; honored for Gitanjali and his poetic vision. |
C.V. Raman | 1930 | Physics | Discovery of the “Raman Effect” — scattering of light. |
Har Gobind Khorana | 1968 | Medicine | Research on the genetic code and synthesis of nucleotides. |
Mother Teresa | 1979 | Peace | Work for the poor and destitute through Missionaries of Charity. |
S. Chandrasekhar | 1983 | Physics | Theoretical studies on stellar evolution and the “Chandrasekhar limit.” |
Amartya Sen | 1998 | Economics | Welfare economics and work on social justice and poverty. |
V.S. Naipaul | 2001 | Literature | Exploration of identity, post-colonial society, and human experience. |
Venkatraman Ramakrishnan | 2009 | Chemistry | Studies on the structure and function of the ribosome. |
Kailash Satyarthi | 2014 | Peace | Campaigns for child rights and against child labor. |
Abhijit Banerjee | 2019 | Economics | Experimental approach to alleviating global poverty. |
Significance of the Nobel Prize
The Nobel Prize is more than an award—it is a global recognition of excellence, compassion, and human progress. Instituted in 1901 by Alfred Nobel, it honours individuals and institutions that have made remarkable contributions to humanity across science, literature, economics, and peace.
1. Symbol of Human Progress
The Nobel Prize celebrates the spirit of inquiry and innovation that drives human civilization forward. It honours discoveries and ideas that have expanded knowledge, improved lives, and inspired social reform.
2. Encouragement for Innovation and Research
It motivates scientists, economists, and writers to pursue new frontiers of understanding. The recognition not only validates years of hard work but also inspires future breakthroughs in diverse fields.
3. Recognition of Global Impact
Each Nobel laureate represents a contribution that has lasting benefits for humanity—be it a scientific invention, an economic theory, or a movement for peace and justice.
4. Inspiration for Future Generations
The stories of Nobel laureates serve as role models for students, researchers, and civil servants, demonstrating how perseverance and moral conviction can lead to transformative change.
5. Promotion of Peace and Global Cooperation
The Nobel Peace Prize reinforces the values of non-violence, dialogue, and tolerance. It acknowledges leaders and organizations that promote harmony, human rights, and conflict resolution.
6. Interdisciplinary and Ethical Relevance
By covering diverse categories—Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, Economics, and Peace—the Nobel Prize highlights how science, art, and ethics together shape a better world.
7. Strengthening Moral and Intellectual Leadership
The Nobel tradition emphasizes that true greatness lies not only in intelligence but also in compassion, humility, and a commitment to human welfare—qualities essential for leadership and governance.
8. Reflecting the Ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
The Prize’s international character mirrors the Indian principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the belief that the world is one family, united by shared values and aspirations.
Nobel Prizes remind us that knowledge guided by empathy can truly change the world. Every laureate’s journey – whether in a lab, a library, or a peace mission – teaches perseverance and purpose. For UPSC aspirants, the lesson is clear: aim not just to succeed, but to serve with integrity and vision. In your current affairs reading and Ethics case studies, look for Nobel-inspired examples of leadership and innovation. By drawing on these values, future civil servants can help build a more enlightened, humane India.
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